Gertrude Käsebier
Famous photographer known for her images of motherhood, Native Americans portraits, and her support and promotion of women who chose photography as a career.
National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 18, 2027. Plus historical events and birthdays.

May 18, 2027 celebrates National No Dirty Dishes Day, plus 4 more. National No Dirty Dishes Day on May 18 suggests taking a break from your regular daily routine that involves washing dishes! Celebrating today means you get to eat out or order in to avoid doing any dishes today.
Read the full story →Each year on May 18, we celebrate National Cheese Soufflé Day. This tasty food holiday presents opportunity to enjoy the delicious French delight known as the cheese soufflé! Bon Appétit!
Read the full story →Today is May 18 and we encourage all family members to stay connected during National Visit Your Relatives Day. Life is much too short not to make time for family, especially for those we have not seen or spoken to for a while.
Read the full story →Each year on May 18, National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day recognizes thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who work together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine.
Read the full story →On May 18, we step into the light with a new mission: National Sun Responsibly Day. This day isn't about hiding in the shadows; it’s about empowering everyone to enjoy the great outdoors with the knowledge and habits that save lives. This May 18, let's show the world that you can catch the rays and enjoy the outdoors by taking responsibility to protect our skin.
Read the full story →People born on May 18
Famous photographer known for her images of motherhood, Native Americans portraits, and her support and promotion of women who chose photography as a career.
Author of the original Pledge of Allegiance (1892).
Actress, screenwriter and founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Chemist who helped develop "leaded" gasoline.
Blues and R&B singer famously known for his hit Shake, Rattle and Roll.
Events that occurred on May 18 throughout history
Slavery is abolished in Rhode Island, although the law was not enforced. By the mid-1700s, Rhode Island had a slave population double that of other New England colonies, which was a hub for the slave trade. The Gradual Emancipation Act of 1784 mandated that children born to enslaved mothers after March 1, 1784, were free. However, in order for mothers to keep their children, they had to serve the slave owner as an "apprentice". Slavery was fully eradicated in Rhode Island by 1842.
Parents were mandated to send children to school for a minimum of 12 weeks a year, with 6 of those weeks being consecutive attendance. This act compelled parents to ensure their children attended school though most towns were already required to provide schools. The Massachusetts law served as the model for other states to adopt their own legislation.
Robert Tanner Freeman was the some of enslaved parents who became the first African American to graduate from Harvard Dental School in and the first person in the U.S. to earn a dental degree. He overcame racial rejection from other institutions to join Harvard's inaugural 1867 class.
Robert Tanner Freeman was the some of enslaved parents who became the first African American to graduate from Harvard Dental School in and the first person in the U.S. to earn a dental degree. He overcame racial rejection from other institutions to join Harvard's inaugural 1867 class.
TWA was created in 1930 through a merger involving Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) and Western Air Express. The company was famous for its early, rapid coast-to-coast passenger and mail service in a single day. By February 1946, TWA inaugurated its first scheduled transatlantic service from New York to Paris.
At the age of 47, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier at an average speed of 652.337 mph. She was pioneering aviator, wartime leader of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and held more speed, altitude, and distance records than any other pilot at her death in 1980.
Engineer and physicist Ray Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories in London in 1965. He revolutionized audio technology, invented the Dolby noise-reduction system to eliminate background hiss in tape recording, and invented surround sound in cinemas. His inventions transformed the audio experience for music, film, and television.
Longer-running observances that include this date.
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